Procurement of fighter jets to bring work and livelihood to Finland
Finland decided on the procurement of its next fighter aircraft on 10 December 2021. The industrial participation related to the procurement will create significant technological competence for the Finnish industry.
“The procurement will open up new opportunities for Finnish companies through industrial participation and in that way deepen our trade relations with the United States,” says Minister for Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade Ville Skinnari.
The direct and indirect domestic employment impact of industrial participation is estimated to total 6,000 person-years.
“The solution of industrial participation will develop credible knowhow in the domestic industry from the security of supply perspective and play an important role in the national economy. The jobs and income created by this procurement are also welcome by-products,” says Minister of Employment Tuula Haatainen, who is responsible for industrial cooperation.
Industrial participation consists of both direct and indirect cooperation. Direct industrial cooperation relates to the procurement of the aircraft itself, while indirect industrial cooperation concerns the transfer of technology and expertise important to the state’s key security interests to the Finnish defence and security industry.
The most important industrial participation projects include large-scale production of the F-35 front fuselage in Finland also for other users, production of structural components as well as equipment testing and maintenance capability. In addition, Finland has been offered an engine final assembly project for the Air Force aircraft.
“This long-term procurement contract means that a large number of Finnish companies will have an excellent opportunity to enter the US market and to offer their expertise. The impact on employment and vitality will be seen across Finland,” says Minister of Economic Affairs Mika Lintilä.
The objective of industrial participation is to develop and maintain the production, technology and expertise in the defence and security industry that is critical with respect to national defence, state security and functions vital to society, as well as to improve and safeguard the national security of supply.
Inquiries:
Iiris Niinikoski, Special Adviser to the Minister of Employment, tel. +358 295 047 372
Antti Siika-aho, Special Adviser to the Minister of Economic Affairs, tel. + 358 50 575 4118
Tiina Vainio, Special Adviser to the Minister for Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade, tel. + 358 50 524 6559